Hey there, SWRNN readers. Here’s my review for the “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.”
(Courtesy image)
This film takes place 60 years before the events of the Lord of the Rings films and is about the adventures that Hobbit Bilbo Baggins has with Gandalf the Grey, Thorin Oakenshield and twelve other dwarves while traveling to the Lonely Mountain – the Dwarves stolen home, now inhabited by the dragon Smaug.
The film is thankfully directed once again by Peter Jackson, and stars returning cast members Sir Ian McKellan as Gandalf the Grey, Cate Blanchett as Galadriel, Hugo Weaving as Elrond, Andy Serkis as Gollum, and Sir Christopher Lee as Saruman.
But the newcomers include cult favorite Martin Freeman (of Sherlock fame) as Bilbo Baggins, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish and many more.
For those who didn’t know, I am a massive “Lord of the Rings” fan. The original trilogy is my absolute favorite film of all time (because if you’ve seen them, you know they are one single film), and I have read the books multiple times.
That being said, I was unbelievably excited for The Hobbit and I tried to go in as unbiased as I possibly could. I am so very glad to say that Jackson has created another Middle Earth masterpiece.
Right off the bat, I’d like to point out that you should not go into this film expecting something as epic as “The Return of the King.” Different books, different stories. Moving on!
The acting in “An Unexpected Journey” was top notch, with McKellan taking on the persona of Gandalf perfectly once again. The show-stealer this time around though was Freeman as Bilbo Baggins. He matches the Hobbit in the novel perfectly and is exactly how I envisioned him while reading the book as a child. The rest of the cast was great, as well.
I saw this movie is two formats — IMAX 3D and 48 Frames per second 3D. This is the first film to be released in HFR (High-Frame Rate) 3D and it’s definitely not for everyone.
It takes some time to get used to due to the fact that it’s sped up footage, but it really shines in the action set pieces. The IMAX 3D for this film was also incredible.
I don’t understand how or why anyone could hate this film.
Don’t expect something like “The Return of the King” — this is much more lighthearted, just like the novel.
I give “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” a full 5 out of 5 — a perfect and very welcomed return to Middle Earth.
Adam Rolseth is a teen movie reviewer and regular guest contributor to SWRNN.
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